Minutes of Shannon Municipal District Deferred March Meeting held on 31st March 2023

Present

Councillors
Councillors Michael Begley (Cathaoirleach), Donna McGettigan (Leas-Cathaoirleach), PJ Ryan, Gerard Flynn, John Crowe and Pat O’Gorman.

Officials

Liam Conneally Director of Service, Anne Griffin A/ Senior Executive Officer (Meetings Administrator), Seán Lenihan Senior Engineer, Carmel Greene Senior Executive Officer, Tom Mellett Senior Executive Engineer and Patricia O’Neill Staff Officer.

Present via MS Teams:

Eoin Ó Catháin from Roughan & O’Donovan (ROD) Consultants; PJ Griffin from RPS Consultants and Tom Meagher from Clandillon Consultants. 

Apologies

Cllr. Pat McMahon

Presiding

Cathaoirleach Michael Begley opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

It was proposed and agreed by all the Members to take item no. 30 (i)

Deputation from Meelick Windfarm Action Group.

Bernadette Galvin Kiely, Chairperson of Meelick Windfarm Action Group briefed the Members on the concerns of the Meelick residents regarding the proposal for a 140 hectare, 12 turbine windfarm on Ballycar Hill.  Ms. Galvin Kiely formally requested that the local representatives together with Meelick Windfarm Action Group put forward a submission to the Wind Strategy Commission and the relevant Ministers in relation to the construction and proximity of large turbines to residential areas.  

It was agreed that the group would submit the points raised in writing for further discussion and consideration by the Shannon MD Members.

Item 1: Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 17^th January 2023.

Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 17^th January 2023 were proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan, seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.

Item 2: Disposal of lands (by lease) at Ballycasey, Shannon, Co. Clare

Carmel Greene, Senior Executive Officer outlined that it is proposed to re-enter into a new sporting lease with the Clare Cricket Board for a period of 5 years, with a break clause at 3 years.  This is an opportune time to regenerate activity on the pitches, bringing them back to life and keeping them maintained.

It was proposed by Cllr. Pat O Gorman, seconded by Cllr. Donna McGettigan and agreed by all. 

Item 3: Disposal (by lease) of piece of ground at Lacka, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.

Disposal (by lease) of piece of ground at Lacka, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.  Proposed by Cllr.  John crowe, seconded by Cllr.  PJ Ryan and agreed by all. 

Item 4: S183 Disposal of property at 14 Elton Court, Meelick, Co. Clare. 

S183 Disposal of property at 14 Elton Court, Meelick, Co. Clare.  Proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan, seconded by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all. 

Item 5: Shannon MD Small Community Grant Scheme 2023.

Anne Griffin A/Senior Executive Officer stated that the total funding allocation of this scheme is €18,000 with a maximum grant payment of €1,000.  Ms. Griffin outlined that this is a great opportunity for local community organisations to avail of this funding stream.  Subject to the Members approval the scheme will go live today and the closing date is 28^th April 2023. 

It was proposed by Cllr. PJ Ryan, second by Cllr. John Crowe and agreed by all.

Item 6: Shannon Capital Projects update by Seán Lenihan, Senior Engineer, Project Management Office.

Mr. Seán Lenihan, Senior Engineer together with the Consultants provided an update on the following capital projects within the Shannon MD.  He outlined that while they are 3 separate projects the PMO office continues to liaise and consult with all stakeholders providing a joined-up thinking approach in the delivery of these projects.  

Shannon/Bunratty/Sixmilebridge Greenway – update provided by Eoin Ó’Catháin, Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers.

Greenway proposals were outlined.  A funding packing in the sum of €300k has been provided under the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to advance this project to the planning and design stage.  The need for this scheme was identified as there is currently no established walking and cycling route.  There is an existing underused roadway from Shannon to Bunratty and on to Sixmilebridge which requires a short link to the N18 over the bridge.  The next steps in this scheme will involve discussions with landowners to identify optimal routes, screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA).  When routes have been identified the focus will be to progress the scheme quickly through the various stages of planning and delivery. 

The Members welcomed the funding for this scheme and considered it a worthwhile scheme.  The possibility of using the bank of the river from Bunratty to Sixmilebridge was raised as the lands are controlled by the OPW and there is an established right of way.

Eoin Ó Catháin stated that the Greenway is also to be used by bicycles and  wheelchair users and the use of the river bank would require a significant amount of engineering work with environmental and planning complexities.  He added it is intended to achieve delivery of the project in the short term of 3 to 4 years.  When the scheme is up and running it may justify a larger scale project.

Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme – update provided by PJ Griffin from RPS Consultants.

A brief background to the scheme was provided and the various stages that have been progressed to date under Stage 1 of the scheme (Option Assessment, Scheme Development and Design) including ground investigations, CCTV, Flow-water, rainfall, geophysical survey and public consultation. Further seasonal environmental surveys are planned to commence in April at various locations around the scheme area.  Viable options for the scheme will begin shortly to reduce the flood risk in Shannon Town and Environs using calibrated hydraulic models. Further public consultation will take place in the coming months.

The Members highlighted the lengthy process involved in the environmental and planning aspects of the scheme. 

Mr. Liam Conneally, Director of Service while acknowledging the sentiments of the Members emphasised that the scheme must follow the various stages in the project planning process. The safety, prosperity and employment for the Town and Airport must be protected.  If mechanisms e.g. legislation allow it to be fast tracked then they will be looked at. 

N19 Shannon Airport Access Road – update provided by Tom Meagher from Clandillon Consultants 

Under Phase 2 of this scheme the preferred option for this scheme previously announced included a combination of active travel measures for walking and cycling, improvements to public transport, along with new and improved road infrastructure between Drumgeely roundabout and Knockbeagh Point roundabout on the approach to the Airport.

The design and environmental evaluation of the Preferred Option is progressing under Phase 3 (Design & Environmental Evaluation) following detailed consideration of landowner engagement, stakeholders feedback, environmental surveys, transport surveys and ground investigations. 

The Members raised concern that the proposal does not allow for a dual carriageway and that an international Airport will be serviced by a single carriageway, particularly in the event of an accident on the carriageway which may result in closing the road.   

The provision of a rail link to Shannon Airport, identified in the County Development Plan, was also raised by the Members. 

In response to the above Mr. Seán Lenihan stated that criteria for the provision of a dual carriageway as stated in the DMURS (Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets) such as high traffic volumes and accident statistics do not warrant the provision of a dual carriageway in this scheme.  In particular, the last 2km has a number of entrances/exits which are not typical of a national road.   Mr. Lenihan further outlined that in the event of a major incident on the road, the bus lanes will be opened up and will facilitate with the counterflow of the traffic.

In respect of a rail link Mr. Lenihan stated this would extend the brief of the scheme and more consultation is required with Irish Rail.  Cost per kilometer of rail is significant.  

Item 7: Economic Development – update by Liam Conneally, Director of Service.

• Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) – Clare County Council in conjunction with the University of Limerick have issued a response to the Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage in relation to queries raised on the SDZ.  This is now with the Department for consideration. 
• The announcement by Minister Jack Chambers of capital investment for Shannon Airport was welcomed.  This strengthens the aviation industry which in turn stimulates economic activity. 
• The Women’s Irish Open will take place again this September in Dromoland.  The Shannon MD Office will be engaging with the organisers of this event.  It is intended that the benefit this event will bring will spin-off to local villages and to the wider district. 
• This Shannon – Bunratty – Sixmilebridge Greenway funding is welcomed.  Important for tourism and also to the local communities.   

The Members welcomed the announcement of funding for Shannon Airport and emphasised that Shannon is an International Airport.  

Item 8: Roadworks Programme – update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer.

• The grasscutting contract has commenced and the Shannon MD has engaged the same contractor, Eir Landscapes, as last year.
• Drainage works are being carried out throughout the district. 
• The removal and trimming of trees that are of cause for concern continues in the district. 
• Town and Village Renewal Schemes in Drumgeely and Clonlara are proceeding with tender documents being prepared. Clonlara has been granted permission following a Part VIII process.
• Bunratty Town and Village Renewal scheme has been tendered. This will include placemaking, public realm enhancement and traffic calming measures.
• Ballycasey Active Travel – work is continuing on this scheme.  This will see a widening to 3m of footpaths linking residential, commercial and social areas in that part of Shannon Town and the introduction of Pedestrian Crossing Points.
• Meelick Active Travel – agreement has been reached with the landowners.  This scheme will now advance to the Section 38 process.
• Works on the provision of public lighting in Carrigoran has commenced
• Works carried out by Irish Water from Ballycasey roundabout to Shannon Springs Hotel are nearing completion
• Footpath maintenance contract works have commenced in Foyle Park, Rossbracken, Shannon and will then move on to The Grove.
• A new footpath in Lackyle, Ardnacrusha has been completed by our own crews.
• Works are ongoing on mobility access near Joe’s shop in Aidan Park, Shannon.  This will ensure that access meets current standards for people with mobility difficulties.

In response to the above the Members raised the following:

• What percentage of works have been carried out under the 2022 GMA budget. – Tom Mellett replied that approx. 60% of the works were complete in 2022.  The projects identified under this funding are still in train and the funding is capitalised and carried over to the current year for completion of works.
• When will the upgrade of public lighting from Shannon Springs Hotel be carried out.  Tom Mellett stated that as soon as Irish Water have completed their works, the upgrade of the public lighting will commence.
• The installation of the basketball hoops in the town park was welcomed.
• The uneven temporary surface of the road from Shannon Springs to Shannon Town Roundabout where Irish Water have carried out works.  Tom Mellett stated that as part of the Road Opening Licence granted to Irish Water that following the temporary reinstatement of the road this will be followed by permanent reinstatement.  

Item 9: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis

That this MD would carry out drain cleaning and install a piped road crossing at Ballintlea, Cratloe adjacent to Brown's farm.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

An assessment of this location will be required before any works can be considered.

Item 10: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis

That this MD would carry out repairs to the footpath between O'Donoghue's Bridge and Cratloe GAA cross.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This location will be surveyed and any defects identified will be added to our or schedule of works.

Item 11: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. PJ Ryan

Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Ryan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis

That this MD would carry out repairs, strengthening and surfacing to the L3034 Feenagh Road, Sixmilebridge as it is very poor condition.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

An assessment of this road for consideration in future roadworks programme will be conducted.

Cllr. PJ Ryan proposed that Cllr. McMahon’s Motions be carried in his absence.  This was seconded by Cllr. John Crowe.

Item 12: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council to upgrade the road leading into and through Glenafrin Estate, Newmarket On Fergus, as this road has deteriorated and is in need of repair.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This estate is on the three-year programme for the SMDW and will be reassessed for inclusion in 2024.

Item 13: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

That Clare County Council would install a pedestrian crossing near Newmarket On Fergus Community Hall and that a time frame would be agreed for the delivery of such works. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

As part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme Newmarket of Fergus received a grant of €200,000, these works will include a new Pedestrian Crossing adjacent to the Community Hall. The proposal is currently the subject of a Section 38, Roads Act application advertised in the Clare Champion on 17/02/2023 and is due before the next meeting of the Municipal District members for consideration.

Item 14: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat McMahon

Ar molagh Cllr. PJ Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting Clare County Council to install a pedestrian crossing at Newmarket On Fergus National School which in conjunction with the existing school warden service will provide greater safety for children on this busy road.  

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

As part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme Newmarket of Fergus received a grant of €200,000, these works will include an upgrade to the Pedestrian Crossing adjacent to the National School. The proposal is currently the subject of a Section 38, Roads Act application advertised in the Clare Champion on 17/02/2023 and is due before the next meeting of the Municipal District members for consideration.

The School Warden scheme will continue to operate in conjunction with the improved crossing.

Item 15: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I am calling on Clare County Council to install a litter bin adjacent to The New Bus Stop in Drumgeely, all other Bus Shelters had bins installed and I presume this was an oversight.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Following completion to the new bus shelter at the Drumgeely Stop Shannon Municipal District Office ordered a replacement bin. Once this is received, we will arrange instalment.

Item 16: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I am calling on Clare County Council to try and source funding under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme or some other source in order to enhance the public use of Tullyvarraga Woodlands in Shannon Town.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

The Green Infrastructure Plan for Shannon envisages this location being an enhanced pedestrian throughway surrounded by public amenity space. To this end Shannon Municipal District Office pedestrianised the Slí Na Mhara/Boreen Rd by removing it from the public road network. We have since cleared the edges of the pathway to restore capacity.

This Office intends to use the Green Infrastructure Plan as the basis of an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme application once the 2023 grant application process is opened.

Item 17: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Ar molagh Cllr. Gerard Flynn

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Donna McGettigan agus glacadh leis:

I am calling on Clare County Council to secure funding under Active Travel or other funding sources in order to develop a footpath and cycling link from The Wetlands to the many sports facilities located in the Tullyvarraga area Shannon Town.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Following representations from the elected members, an Active Travel proposal was made to the National Transport Agency (NTA) from the Municipal District Office for the current year. We have received funding to continue this project to design stage and in collaboration with our colleagues in the Road Deign Office intend to be in a position to proceed to construction in 2024 subject to funding approval for the construction works from the NTA.

Item 18: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I call on this MD to call for representatives of Bus Éireann to attend a meeting of Shannon MD Councillors so as we can put forward the issues being brought to us with the 343 service and to have a discussion around resolving these issues.

It was agreed that a representative from Bus Éireann would be invited to a meeting of the Shannon MD Members. 

Item 19: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I call on this MD to look at putting solar powered bins in Shannon. Unfortunately, the leave no trace policy is not working.  Solar powered compactable bins increase capacity so reducing the number of street bin collections which helps towards achieving environmental benefits.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Clare County Council are supporters and members of Leave No Trace Ireland. “Love This Place Leave No Trace” is a national campaign that we will continue to support and promote during 2023. It is important that this personal responsibility message continues to be promoted in Shannon and indeed throughout Co. Clare. Leaving No Trace includes using the litter bins provided. However, where there are no litter bins or the litter bins are full it is important that waste is disposed at the nearest litter bin provided or taken home. Leave No Trace principles encourage people to plan ahead, be considerate of others and dispose of waste correctly when enjoying the outdoors.

Clare County Councils Environmental Awareness Officer has arranged to visit local schools to highlight a litter prevention message and the role of personal responsibility.

While Solar bins do allow for increased capacity and therefore fewer bins they also increase the weight per bin which would need to be considered in the context of our current collection capabilities. In Shannon we currently collect from a significant number of bins spread throughout the town and adding to this may deprive neighbouring towns of current levels of service.

If we are to introduce higher capacity bins an evaluation will be required which may result in fewer bin locations while increasing the volume collected. 

An Assessment will be carried out on the feasibility of introducing solar powered bins based on need, value for money and practicality around collection.

Item 20: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Ar molagh Cllr. Donna McGettigan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Gerard Flynn agus glacadh leis:

I call on this MD to meet with residents of Dún Áras around safety measures for the area.  Residents are concerned for children playing in the area due to cars speeding in and out of the estate.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This estate on the outskirts on Shannon Town is well laid out from a traffic calming perspective with sharp bends followed by short straights or wide curves all of which discourage excessive speeding. We have ordered additional ‘Child at Play’ signs to remind drivers that they are likely to encounter children in this estate.

The Municipal District Office attempted to carry out a speed survey, however due to circumstances beyond our control this could not be completed. It is not possible to estimate when we will be able to redeploy the survey equipment.

If the member would like to arrange a meeting with concerned residents, I would be happy to attend.

Item 21: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that this MD would provide double yellow lines on both sides of the entrance/gate at Cratloe woods. This is to stop cars from parking on the roadside in the interest of safety.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This will be added to our works schedule.

It was agreed that the Shannon MD Office would write to Coillte, asking if the parking area could  be increased.

Item 22: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I am calling on this MD to erect speed limit signs at the entrances to Shannon Banks housing estate to remind people to slow down entering a residential area.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This will be added to our works schedule.

Item 23: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I request that this MD would investigate the possibility of widening a stretch of the wood road/Cratloe mile on the L3102.  After the railway gates and before the turn off for the Radisson hotel. This narrow stretch of road is very dangerous as only one car can pass. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

The Municipal District Office will refer this request to our colleagues in the Transportation Department for consideration.

Cllr. Pat O’Gorman added that when there is an accident on the dual carriageway traffic is diverted through Cratloe and the roads are too narrow to deal with this volume of traffic.  A counterflow system should be put in place on the dual carriageway.  This was agreed by all the Members. 

Item 24: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

In advance of the construction of the Clonlara TVR Scheme, that this MD would ask Irish Water to replace the old 4” water main between the National School and the Old Canal Bridge as this main leaks regularly (2 in the last month).

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

Shannon Municipal District Office has been informed that Irish Water intend replacing the existing watermain at this location.

Item 25: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That a short section of kerbing be installed in front of Fairyfield, Parteen, leading to the Tailrace bridge.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This Office will arrange for a survey of this path to take place and will add any repairs identified to our schedule of works.

Item 26: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That the Sixmilebridge and Broadford finger sign posts at Clonlara Cross, be moved, to improve the sight line on the R463 West when approaching from the R471.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

The Shannon Municipal District Office will assess the sign positioning and move them should this be required.

Item 27: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that extra street lighting be provided on the footpath from Mount Ievers Estate to the Doctor’s Cross, Sixmilebridge as this section is very dark and used a lot by pedestrians.

Anne O’Sullivan, Senior Executive Engineer Roads & Transportation replied as follows:

A review of lighting in this area will be carried out & a cost estimate will be prepared. The provision of additional lighting will be subject to the availability of an approved budget.

Item 28: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting traffic calming measures be installed from the Railway Bridge to Rossmanagher Cross on the Shannon Road as it is extremely busy serving housing estates, Gort na Núll, Ronan View, Sycamore Close and Ashview Drive. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

The Municipal District Office had proposed this location for an Active travel measure, unfortunately it was not approved for funding this year. The Office will assess that proposal and resubmit for 2024. The proposal would have introduced Traffic Calming measures.

Approval for a Pedestrian Crossing on the soccer pitch side of the Rosmanagher junction has been approved and will be completed this year. This will be a raised table crossing which will incorporate Traffic Calming measures.

Item 29: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. PJ Ryan agus glacadh leis:

That this Council would carry out works on the road from Cappa Cross to Lynch’s, Sixmilebridge as this road has deteriorated and is the main artery from Shannon to East Clare. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon MD replied as follows:

This road has received significant improvements in the past three years. The remaining section as described will be included for 2023. The adjoining roads running from Lynch’s cross to O’Gormans Cross and along the Rosmanagher road have been included for surface dressing treatment.

Item 30: Correspondence

1. Request for a deputation to be heard at the Shannon MD Meeting from Melick Windfarm Action Group.   – This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. 
2. Letter from Shannon Town Twinning Committee requesting funding to facilitate the re-establishment of their Twinning committee. 

A discussion took place in relation to this matter including the benefits active twinning arrangements can bring to the area.   It was agreed that a more sustainable multi-annual response is required and that this would be conveyed back to the next Twinning Meeting, which will be attended by some of the Shannon MD Members. 

Item 31: AOB

• Schedule of Municipal District Works 2023. This item was dealt with at a Special Meeting of the Shannon MD held on Tuesday 28^thMarch, 2023.
• Cllr. PJ Ryan raised the point that Oireachtas Members have information on TVR Schemes and Active Travel Schemes in the County prior to discussion at MD level.  Tom Mellett clarified that the Oireachtas Members have direct access to the Government Departments in charge of National Schemes such as TVR, ORIS and Active Travel Schemes. 
• Cllr. Michael Begley circulated a copy of an email received from Irish Water in relation to upgrade works at Ballycannon and Elton Court sewerage scheme which will have capacity for an additional 87 houses in Elton Court.
• Cllr. Donna McGettigan expressed disappointment regarding recent coverage on the RTE Radio 1 in relation to anti-social behaviour in Shannon and the impact on residents in Brú na Sionna.  Cllr. McGettigan commended the ongoing engagement between the Shannon MD Office, Gardai and the Management Company of Brú na Sionna in tackling this issue.
• Cllr. Pat O’Gorman requested an update on the recording of GPS/Satellite in relation to the closure of the access road from Cronan to Cluainn.  Tom Mellett advised that this was passed on to the relevant authorities and an update would be sought on same.
• Cllr. Michael Begley led tributes to Liam Conneally, Director of Service on his resignation from Clare County Council and congratulated him on his new role as Chief Executive of Galway County Council.  Cllr. Begley thanked Liam for his guidance, commitment and for the progression of projects during his tenure as Director of Service in Clare County Council.  His sentiments were also echoed by all the Members and he concluded by wishing Liam and his family every good wish for the future.

Liam thanked the Members for their kind words and commended the Shannon MD Members and staff of the Shannon MD in the work they do and for their dedication to the district and county.  He stated he is looking forward to establishing strong links between Clare and Galway County Councils.  He added that he was looking forward to the challenges ahead, in what he can bring to the role and the difference he can make. 

 

Conclusion

The meeting then concluded.

Signed:          ____________________________
Riarthóir Cruinnithe

Signed:          _____________________________
Cathaoirleach

Date:              _____________________________

 

Page last reviewed: 16/05/23

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